Crenshaw High School Elite Choir

Time was running out for the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir for their trip to China to serve as Ambassadors of Goodwill. The choir received an invitation from Gunther Titsch, host of the Choir Olympics, to represent the United States in the 2006 World Choir Games (Choir Olympics) held in Xiamen, China from July 16 - July 26, 2006, but they had not met their financial requirements ($159,750) through their fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, they had to reduce the number of participants.Three weeks prior to their trip they were informed that they needed visas for each person, which presented additional challenges. But, it did not end there, some of the choir members had experienced deaths in their family and with their classmates, which presented a different type of challenge for Professor Iris Stevenson, Choir Director.

The choir has had a rich history of national and international recognition. They have performed for the Prince Charles of Wales, Prince Rainier in Monaco, and performed with Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Paul Simon, Prince, Chaka Khan and Michael Bolton to name a few. But their proudest moment came when they performed at the celebration of life for the legendary Ray Charles who was their benefactor along with Joe Adams. In 1993, the movie Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, starring Whoopi Goldberg, was inspired by the life and music of Professor Stevenson and the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir. They have also been featured on many television shows such as: Dr. Phil, Extreme Makeover - Home Edition, Extra, The Leeza Show, Unsung Heroes, and every television network both local and national.

The story does not end there. The clock was ticking and the choir was fast approaching the deadline. Around the middle of June, the "Ladies" received a call asking for support for the choir. They immediately began a fundraising effort contacting other organizations and friends throughout the United States. There was constant communication with the choir director regarding the status of their funding. In three days, the "Ladies" had raised $17,550 as a token of support. Through their efforts and community of friends, the voices of the Elite Choir will resonate throughout China.